City of Sylacauga to honor James Sharbutt, Rodney Trammell for years of service to Babe Ruth Baseball

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Saturday, May 6 will be opening day for the Sylacauga Babe Ruth Baseball League. However, this opening day will be just a bit different than years past.

During opening ceremonies for the the league, City Of Sylacauga officials will present a proclamation and honor two men who have been an integral part of the local Babe Ruth organization for over a decade: former president James Sharbutt and tearsurer Rodney Trammell.

City Councilman Ashton Fowler told SylacaugaNews.com these men deserve to be honored. Growing up playing baseball in Sylacauga, Folwer said he knows how hard the two men worked to make the league what it is today. Fowler said he called Mayor Heigl about making a proclamation their honor and the Mayor was immediately on board.

Current President Chris Blair agreed the men are worthy to be honored. He said Sylacauga’s Babe Ruth program is among the best in the state. Nearly 100 13-15 year-olds participate every year and those numbers have so much to do with the work Sharbutt and Trammell put into the league.

“James and Rodney have been the life of Sylacauga Babe Ruth since I’ve been around,” said Blair. “They are the reason our Babe Ruth program is where it is.”

Blair said many people do not realize what all goes towards running a baseball league. These men orchestrated every task from field maintenance and crews to concession stands and running district meetings. Blair said Sharbutt and Trammell did everything they needed to do in order to make sure the league was successful year in and year out.

Opening ceremonies are set to start at 10 a.m. After receiving the proclamation from city officials, Sharbutt will throw out the season’s first pitch.